Events in Cornwall

February 2010

13th Feb - 21st Feb Half Term at Eden - Shaun the Sheep

Get creative with Aardman’s model making geniuses! Saturday February 13 – Sunday February 21

We’ve teamed up with Aardman, the people behind Shaun the sheep, to bring you a programme of workshops and displays you wont want to miss!

- Try your hand at model making:
Learn to make a character from the series with the Aardman team. Sessions will run at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm everyday in the Core and cost £2 per person. We anticipate these workshops will be very popular, so please book in advance on 01726 811972.

- The planet in plasticine!
Help us sculpt a giant collage of the world from plasticine and add a few of your own special touches. In the Gallery, each day from 10am.
- Come and see the actual set and characters from the Shaun the Sheep series. Work with the Eden and Aardman teams to create a new exciting place for Shaun and the Flock. In the Mediterranean Biome, each day from 10am. And don’t forget to pick up an activity sheet that will help you find your way around site. Each completed sheet will be entered into our baa-rilliant competition to win Shaun goodies.

16th Feb St Columb Hurling (Silver Ball)

On Shrove Tuesday and the second Saturday following, a much rougher and traditional version of the hurling game played at St. Ives takes place. The game starts when the ball is thrown to the crowd at the Market Square. The objective of the game is to control its possession with deliberate passing and tackling.

The game involves a physical battle on the streets and in the surrounding countryside, between the "Townsmen" and "Countrymen" of the parish, with the shops in the town barricading their windows and doors to protect from accidental damage, which sometimes occurs.

The 'winner of the ball' (that is, the hurler that goals the ball or carries it over the boundary) is carried on the shoulders of two teammates back to Market Square, to strains of the hurling "song". Here he calls up the ball, declaring "Town Ball" or "Country Ball", depending on the side to which he belongs.

Accommodation and things to do in St Columb Major

26th Feb Bright Young Stars Shine for Precious Lives

HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO - Children's Hospice South West is pleased to present 'Bright Young Stars Shine for Precious Lives' in aid of the Precious Lives Appeal.

A Showcase of young musical talent in Cornwall featuring: Camborne Youth Band ~ Cornwall Boys Choir ~ Cornwall Youth Jazz Orchestra ~ Dancers from the Duchy Ballet ~ 'Eden' (Pirate FM's new Girl Group) ~ Funky Feet Dance School.

Tickets: Adults £12; Children under 16 £9; available from the Hall for Cornwall Box Office 01872 262466 or book online at http://www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

26th Feb Ancient Tree Hunt along the Fowey Estuary

Join in the search for Britain's ancient trees in your local area on 26th February 2010 between 10am and Noon. An introductory talk on what to look for, how to take measurements and how this data will help protect these trees for the future.
Booking is essential on 01726 870146. Contact: Ben Norwood, Tel. 01726 870146. Please email southeastcornwall@nationaltrust.org.uk for more details.

Accommodation and things to do in Fowey

March 2010

1st Mar - 1st Jun Kayaking on the Helford

Throughout Spring, the National Trust will be holding various kayaking events on the picturesque Helford River. Price £25. To book a place on an event, or to find out more please call 01326 558424.
Booking is essential on 01326 558424. This event is suitable for Groups. More details will be made available when booking.
Please Contact Layla Astley on 01326 561407, or by email at Layla.Astley@Nationaltrust.org.uk

Accommodation and things to do in Helston

1st Mar - 1st Jun Kayaking under the cliffs on the Lizard Peninsula

Throughout the Spring, from Monday 1st March to Tuesday 1st June the National Trust will be holding a number of kayaking events from Porthleven Harbour exploring the coast around the recently renovated Trewavas Mine engine houses and Rinsey Head or Loe bar and Gunwalloe. Price for all tickets is £25. The dates and times may vary depending on the tides, please call to enquire.
Booking is essential on 01326 558424. More information will be made available at the time of booking. Please contact Layla Astley on Tel. 01326 561407, or by email at Layla.Astley@Nationaltrust.org.uk

5th Mar St. Piran's Day

Events held throughout Cornwall on the historical holiday to commemorate the patron saint of Cornwall.

27th Mar - 3rd Apr Walk Scilly 2010

Nothing to do with John Cleese, the annual Walk Scilly event takes place this year between the 27th of March and the 3rd of April.
This seven day festival sees a series of themed guided walks taking place across the Islands. A variety of local experts lead over 20 walks, on topics such as archaeology and gardens, flora and fauna, castles and cliffs...
Walk Scilly is a unique showcase of the special environment of the Isles of Scilly. Many visitors come to Scilly unaware that the islands have the highest concentration of prehistoric burial sites anywhere in Britain. Offshore lie countless numbers of shipwrecks. There's truly something for everyone.
Additional talks and presentations will continue into the evenings, with a special opening night dinner/dance. On the last day a charity walk takes place around St Mary's, with the aim to involve as many locals and visitors as possible.

28th Mar British Summer Time Begins

(Clocks go forward at 1am GMT)

April 2010

24th Apr Camborne Trevithick Day

Camborne Trevithick Day is an annual day of celebration for the town of Camborne in Cornwall, United Kingdom, on the last Saturday in April.

Attractions include: Model Exhibitions, Vintage Vehicles (Traction Engines), Local school children in the Bal Maidens and Miners Dance led by Camborne Town Band, Performances by Local Male Voice Choirs, Concerts by Camborne Town Band and other local bands and much more.

Accommodation and things to do in Camborne

30th Apr - 3rd May Dive Fest 2010 - Pentewan Sands Holiday Park

Building on the success of last years event and once again taking place at Pentewan Sands Holiday Park on April 30th to May 3rd 2010, this promises to be the UK’s biggest diving event of the year. So what’s it all about?

Well, what do divers like doing most? Diving, of course, and that’s exactly what DIVE FEST is all about. There’s going to be diving, snorkelling and try dives. And that’s not all… There’s a party on the beach on the Saturday night, with a band, hog/lamb roast, dancing and a bonfire. Famous divers, will be speaking about their work and there will be films showing throughout the weekend. It’s an event for all the family with MCS beachcombing walks, volley ball and other beach games. There will be an underwater treasure hunt with some great prizes, as well as a photo competition and a buddy auction, with a chance to bid on a dive with several scuba celebs. Diving manufacturers will also be on hand to show their latest products and in some cases give you a chance to dive with their new kit. Winning entries to the British Underwater Image Festival will also be on view, and you’ll get the chance to pick your own favourite picture.
For more information and Early Bird Savings contact http://www.divefest.co.uk/

Accommodation and things to do in St Austell

May 2010

1st May Feast of Beltane

Beltane is the anglicized spelling of Bealtaine the Gaelic names for either the month of May or the festival that takes place on the first day of May.
There were similar festivals held at the same time in the other Celtic countries of Wales, Brittany and Cornwall. Bealtaine and Samhain were the leading terminal dates of the civil year in Ireland though the latter festival was the most important. The festival survives in folkloric practices in the Celtic Nations and the diaspora, and has experienced a degree of revival in recent decades.

1st May Padstow 'Obby 'Oss Day

The 1st of May is 'Obby 'Oss Day in Padstow. The Day celebrates the Celtic festival of Beltane - The spring festival dedicated to the return of the Celtic sun god Bel, that causes the crops to grow and the hours of daylight to lengthen.

The 'Obby 'Oss looks like a big black caped animal - thought to represent a stallion - with a strange mask and snapping jaws. Its strange (pagan) dance and the rhythm of the drum beat is quite mystical and infectious. The 'Obby 'Oss is led on by a 'Teaser' who dances around the 'Oss' and prods him with a special padded stick.

Accommodation and things to do in Padstow

8th May Helston Flora

The 8th of May is Flora Day in Helston. The Day celebrates the christian feast day of St. Michael.

Annually, on 8th May (except when the date falls on a Sunday or Monday - Monday being Market Day - when it is the preceding Saturday) Helston hosts the Furry Dance. On this day children from the local schools dance through the streets of Helston. Adults born in the parish, who have been invited, dance as well in one of three dances held over the day. The dwellings and shops of the town are festooned with bluebells, campion and whatever green foliage is available. Specific dances (not including the children's dance) go into and out of various private buildings and grounds. On the same day the "Hal an Tow", an enactment of St. George slaying of the dragon and celebration of the coming of spring, is performed upon the streets of the town. Both events indicate a pre Christian celebration of the passing of winter.

Accommodation and things to do in Helston

9th May Spring Flowers At Kynance Cove

Undertake a guided botanical walk along the cliffs at Kynance in all their Spring glory between 10am and Noon on 9th May 2010. Led by a National Trust warden, you'll see some of the unique coastal and heath species, plus take in a spectacular view!
Booking is not necessary simply phone 01326 291052 for more information. Meet by the National Trust Car Park hut at Kynance car park. Price: All Tickets £2. Car park charges apply to non-members.
Contact: Rachel Holder, 01326 291052 or by email at rachel.holder@nationaltrust.org.uk

June 2010

19th Jun - 27th Jun Polperro Festival 2010

'Portrait of Polperro' - Past and Present

Just some of the events on during the week

Accommodation and things to do in Looe

26th Jun Jack Johnson at The Eden Sessions 2010

Jack Johnson is the first confirmed headliner for 2010 and tickets will go on general release on Monday, February 8th at 6pm.

You can buy your tickets online from the Eden Sessions website or by calling the Box Office on 01726 811972. Mr. Johnson will be playing the magical Eden stage on Saturday June 26 2010. Tickets are £35 plus £5 booking fee - but get this - that also gets you entry into Eden during the day to experience the entire festival vibe, and the day after if you fancy coming back for further exploration.

July 2010

5th Jul - 9th Jul Romeo and Juliet

Brighton Little Theatre present ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare.
JULY 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 at 8 pm and JULY 7 & 9 at 2 pm.

Set in Shakespeare’s sixteenth century, this production of the classic tale of love and loss is as fresh today as it ever was .Whilst customs may change, the underlying themes of love, loyalty, deception and betrayal remain as recognisable as they were 400 years ago.

Brighton Little Theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet retains the energy and physicality of the original and brings new insights to its many and complex story lines. It seeks to bring you an experience which is similar to that of the audience who first watched the Lord Chamberlain’s Men’s production of the play in 1595, and one which is just as topical and relevant as it was then. The two young people striving unsuccessfully to overcome the prejudice of an unjust society are as recognisable to a 21st century audience as they were in the 16th century.

This production pulls no punches in its exploration of the events which lead up to the final tragedy and will keep you on the edge of your seats, whilst retaining all of Shakespeare’s humour and love of language. Brighton Little Theatre presents us with a Romeo and Juliet which has it all including humour, tragedy, sex and violence all presented through a fast moving plot leading to a piercing climax.

Accommodation and things to do in Penzance

August 2010

23rd Aug - 27th Aug Lark Rise at the Minack Theatre

Tower Theatre present LARK RISE, by Keith Dewhurst, based on Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson.
AUGUST 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 at 8 pm and AUGUST 25 & 27 at 2 pm.

Flora Thompson’s much loved books are brought vividly to life in a heart-warming celebration of English rural life in the 1880s..

Using lively folk music and rich cast of characters, it evokes, during a day of harvest, a vanishing world of agricultural customs seen through the eyes of young Laura.